All is good.....

My cherubs survived their first day back at school!! I never thought there was going to be an issue yesterday but as a mam I suppose there is always that little bit of worry for them.

Alex loves Mrs M and the thrill of being a "big girl" at school now being in the middle levels. She came home and explained what the subject they are focussing on this term and that is Australia. Then she went on to tell us in detail everything else she did for the day.

Oliver, on the otherhand, when asked "how his first day was?" replied "good" and that was it! In typical Oliver fashion as he isn't that fond of school. A few more questions later a little more information was released but it was like pulling teeth. But we found out that he likes his new teacher so that is a start. I don't think he was too impressed with having homework on his first day though!

We'll have to see what they say when they get home tonight!

Back to school and back to ROUTINE!

Today is the first day at school for my two little darlin's with one, Alex of course, being excited and awake, teeth brushed, hair brushed, bag packed and asking if it was time to leave all by 6.30am while the other, Oliver, stayed in bed and if he could that is where he would have stayed.

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Both have new teachers and are in new levels. Alex is in Grade 3 and has Mrs M, who Oliver had for both Grade 3 & 4 so I am sure she will find the difference between the two of them refreshing! It's Grade 6 for Oliver this year and he has Ms V. He was moved over to the other 5/6 grade, I am usure as to why, but he is happy with the change. Maybe the change will be as good as a holiday for him??

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As for me I revelled in the fact that today was the first day of being back into ROUTINE. I love routine. We work better with routine. So this morning 5.30am the alarm went off (which allowed me a few minutes of lying there gathering my thoughts) then it was like clockwork. Sandwiches made for all four of us, lunchboxes packed, uniforms ready and waiting for bodies, showers had, school bags and my bag packed, all done and out the door by 6.55am! The children can be left at Before School Care at 7am which is great as I start work at 8am.

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Either Noel or myself will pick them up from school depending on work commitments, etc, tonight Noel will pick them up. For me Monday's is Weight Watchers and I know this week I have a doctors appointment at 5pm also (just to check my BP).

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Normally the kids do their homework when we get in - depending on who has picked them up it can be anywhere between 4.30pm and 5.30pm by the time we walk through the front door. There is no TV or playstation during the school week. The evening routine is just as frantic as the morning and we try in hope to get dinner on the table by no later than 6.30pm, thankfully Noel loves to cook also so that is a great help. If I am running late he will start getting things ready. So needless to say weeknight dinners need to be quick and easy. Then after dinner it's shower and bed by 8.30pm but 8pm if they want to read a book etc.

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Now I know that it doesn't sound all that exciting especially for the kids but come Friday night the weekends are all about them. As most of you know I normally work on Saturday morning but honestly, this gives Noel one 0n one time with them, which he doesn't get when he is chin deep in overtime or night shift. We try to make the weekends fun and do something that interests them. And of course we try to catch up with our family and friends.

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So there you have it - the happenings of the House of Murray. Busy times but fun times and my beloved ROUTINE...

Well we have been quite busy.......

Wow cannot believe that I haven't posted here for a few days.... have you missed us? LOL!! We have been quite busy as a family as you will see and to be honest none of us have really been near the computer at all.

Saturday we babysat Taila and Mitchell, our friend's children. They were moving house, Noel helped with the actual move but I thought it would be really helpful to have the kids overnight to give them a little more freedom to sort out the boxes etc. I love moving house but it such a stressful time really. Anyway several DVD's later we had Homemade Pies with Wedges for dinner..... all the kids excited by this idea, especially when I told them they could make up their own pie!

Sunday, started with Lemonade Pancakes being requested by our kids, which was great as budding chef Alex taught Taila how to make them - yes they really are that easy. These went down a treat, infact neither Noel or myself got one and ended up having poached eggs on toast instead! The kids were picked up early afternoon so for the rest of the day we just enjoyed ourselves as a family of four, which was really nice. We did have Chinese Roast Pork for dinner to celebrate Chinese New Year... served with a salad and rice paper we made our own rice paper rolls. YUM! A nice easy dish to prepare and the kids love making their dinner up themselves.

Monday was a day at the Picnic Races in Balnarring and also Australia Day. Needless to say, as usual, it was a food fest even though only six of us went this meeting. We took a bbq chicken, salad and some bread rolls. Noel's mam brought party pies and sausage rolls. I also made a huge platter of fruit so that was nice and refreshing.

Tuesday (Noel and I both had a RDO) was meant to be relaxing but overall turned out to be not only a busy day but a warm one. In fact it was the start of our heatwave that we are having here in Victoria. I cannot believe that it was 43 deg C yesterday, 43 deg C today and forecast much the same for tomorrow. We picked up the kids school books which I must say cost us almost $600, did a little bit of grocery shopping and then got the dent in my car bumper assessed by the panel beaters. My car is now booked in to be repaired on March 2nd and will be in the panel beaters for two days.... two days without my car all because some idiot decided to hit my stationery vehicle (with my hazard lights on I must add) while driving with her dog jumping around in her car!! Not happy at all!!

I have spoken to Mam a few times since she left - I miss her like crazy and I am really glad (and grateful) that she is planning to come to Melbourne in April for Noel's 40th birthday. I am planning a party which will probably be at home and more than likely a spit roast. Hopefully I will be able to round up a few of his older friends that he hasn't seen for awhile to surprise him with but we will see. I do however know that I need to pull my finger out and start organising it!

The house is quiet again at the moment as the kids have both gone to Noel's parents for the last few days of the school holidays. School goes back on Monday and I must say I am so looking forward to getting back into our normal routine. Plus I hate having to farm the kids out left, right and centre due to both of us working. But what can we do? It's the government's fault.. I mean we are entitled to 4 week's paid holiday leave per year but the kids get 12 weeks off school?? Go figure!!

Enough rabbiting on ...... more adventures to go and have!

A Dash of Flavour.... what the heck is that?

Okay confession time!! (Don't panic some of you already know where this is going!)

So here it is.... I have another blog to my name - A Dash of Flavour. I was a little worried about everyone knowing at first as I hadn't completely finished setting it up although I had started posting to it and considered it "still under construction" BUT then again I suppose a blog is always a work in progress, right?

Don't get me wrong it was always my intention to eventually share my new blog address and I actually have had it listed for awhile now with all of the other House of Murray blogs for those who were intrigued but I had never officially told anyone or published the link outside of the blogging community. I have once or twice on my other blogs which may have been overlooked!

Thankfully someone curious enough to investigate my other blogs gave me some great feedback. The feedback was within another forum's walls, which gave me enough confidence in my little project to prompt me that it was time to share it properly and with everyone.

Besides my obvious love of blogging my other passion is cooking. In fact the whole family love cooking. So that's what A Dash of Flavour is all about - our adventures in the kitchen, food, cooking, helpful hints, etc. I have decided that there will be nothing else besides culinary posts - no weight loss stories, or family happenings unless it relates to the meal - let's face it I have blogs for those already. Honestly I hope you enjoy it, I must say I have been excited about this blog since I decided to make it (I have always wanted to write a cookbook so I guess this is a start). Please feel free to give me any feedback, comments and/or advice if you wish to... I would appreciate that.

Who know's you may even try one or two of the recipes....

Saying goodbyes....

I hate the fact that Mam lives in Queensland only because I hate saying goodbye. There is never a brave or strong way to say it.... even trying as hard as I can there is still always a tear or two or at least 5 minutes blubbering in the car.

This morning was no different!! After stalling to leave for work as long as I could I had to leave. By this time I had said to myself so many times to keep happy, but that last cuddle and expressing my thanks once again reduced me to tears, Mam to tears and even Alex who had got up to wave me goodbye.

Mam is returning to Claire's today and she will be there now until she leaves on Wednesday. Unfortunately due to the situation with Claire it means that I won't see Mam again before she leaves (incidently I spoke to Claire yesterday and told her I want this fued thingy to stop - she said she would call me soon!)

So the house will once again be quiet tonight.... the kids are back with Mam and Dad for another week of school holidays and they will return on Friday night at this stage. Bring back school I say (the kids wouldn't agree) and bring back our normality!!

Time to get myself more organised!

Now that we have all settled into the New Year well and truly it's time to get me and my household more organised especially on the home maintenance front. Currently with working full time I tend to spend my time off Saturday afternoons and Sundays CLEANING! Honestly there is no-one in the house for a minimum of 8 hours each weekday and yet it looks like a cyclone has gone through the place!!

Considering the fact that a cyclone cannot be present only inside one person house in the street there must be another explanation... I know! The house is infested with "messy fairies". Geez that's about as believable as the cyclone. LOL!!

Seriously, please don't misjudge completely. We don't live in a pigsty or what could resemble a landfill site infact we do keep the place quite respectable. On the surface everything looks normal BUT with my eyes and knowing what goes on behind closed doors I honestly believe that we as a family just need to get into more of a routine and be more responsible to the mess surrounding us and yes that means ALL of us, me, hubby and you two kids as well!!

As I said we aren't slobs or lazy just time deficient considering we are out the door by 7 in the morning and often not home before 5pm. Then its cooking and eating dinner, ensuring homework is done, readers are read, children are bathed, put to bed, then theres the dishes, a load of washing here and there before collapsing into bed ourselves. There has to be an easier way!! And that's without considering hiring a cleaner! Get that idea right out of your head Joanne.

I must say I didn't just come up with this brain wave all by myself. Infact I will be totally honest and say that I have been reading another blog which is dedicated to just this topic. The hyper homemaker is just as the name suggests and very detailed. It intrigued me when I started reading it and must say has actually started to make me think differently about the way I do things (which while we are being honest it is normally the easiest and the quickest way that's for sure).

I want my weekends to be about family, not disinfectant, mops and vacuuming. I want to know that my kids had a great weekend instead of watching tv or planning their DS' because I am busy doing chores.

That's it - it's time for a change! AND NOW!!

Quietness in the house can sometimes be sooo wrong!

I am missing my kids.. I am missing the noise, the laughter, the squabbling, the questions especially from Alex, the mess, the yelling but most of all I am just missing not having them near me. The house has been too quiet this week without having them at home. They will be with their grandparents until Friday afternoon when Noel will pick them up on the way home from work.

Not hearing from them at all this week lets me know that they are having fun especially being taken to Halls Gap for a few days. And I am guessing that they have been well behaved as we haven't heard from Mam and Dad either!!

They idolise their grandparents and I am really glad that they have a strong bond with them. Mam and dad also cherish them, as do Sean, Vicky and Clare. In fact they have a closeness with all members of Noel's family which I am really proud of because they don't have a lot of it from my side of the family, none of us do!

Don't get me wrong, they adore Grandma as well when she visits and this year I need to help them to cement that bond a little stonger. I don't know what steps I will take at the moment but I do want to ensure that their relationship blooms more each each. But while we are speaking of relationships -a relationship that is destined to be distant is that with their aunty Claire and her boys, their cousins. As upsetting as it is, she and her family are the ones that miss out.

When questioned why by the children, I used to say she is busy or maybe next week but I have stopped hiding things from my kids and stopped making excuses, I have explained that I have tried to make the situation better and they know that it's NOT their fault either. Even my Mam cannot understand what the problem is or where it all went wrong. I think the main thing my children need to know is that they are loved by me, Noel, their grandparents, and the other important people who are currently in their lives.

I actually realised a while ago that I have wasted way too much time on wishing my sister would actually be my sister. And with all that's happening around me it's just another thing that I really don't have time to worry about anymore.

Let's face it - the world is still going to spin around, I am still going to get old and die but it's what I do with my time left that is important!!

D-I-V-O-R-C-E becomes final........

Unlike Dusty Springfield's song Clare's divorce doesn't become final today but after an hour and a half at the law courts all the formal paperwork has been lodged and in 28 days her marriage to Rob will be annulled FINALLY!!

Their marriage has been over for several years now due various reasons but mainly due to his constant abuse of illegal drugs and basically "his care for nothing" attitude while they were together. He had us all fooled in the beginning, very charming, casual, family orientated and appearing to be so in love with Clare, having a good job with a financial institution, a good head on his shoulders only to prove over time and even more so recently that he really was a smooth talking drug addict, bottom line a real "no hoper!"

I am really proud of Clare for taking the necessary steps to finally get this monkey off her back and sever ties connecting her with him and the arsehole he has become. The next 28 days wil drag on but Clare has a lifetime ahead of her and deserves to find that someone special.


AND YES CLARE - YOU DO!!

Mongolian Hot Pot and 10 pin bowling.... a busy but good weekend!

Okay so I find myself once more sitting here in disbelief that is Monday AGAIN and that another weekend is over. Overall it was a good weekend, not overly flat out but enough to say that I am feeling tired this morning.

Friday night the kids tried out the pie maker and after eating 2 pies each I believe they have deemed it a success and a very welcome appliance in our house! Noel, Mam and myself had a chinese dish, we have named "nice chicken" which has a sauce of hoisin and cayenne pepper. A unique taste and the hotter the better according to most who try it.

Saturday Mam came to work with me, I was thankful of that as it was dead and good to have someone to talk to - saying that we managed to watch 2 movies also! Next stop was the Dandenong Market where we met Noel and the kids. Nothing to adventurous there except a lot of people, some with not much deoderant on especially with it being warm...yuk! We bought some fish, prawns and beef for the Mongolian Hot Pot dinner we had planned.

Dinner was ACE! As usual we all enjoyed the Mongolian Hot Pot (or Steamboat as it's often called also). Mam was in her element as she hasn't had one quite some time. We don't have the Hot Pot that often as it does take quite some preparation and there is always enough food to feed an army. Needless to say we had it for dinner last night also (and there is still more left over!!)

I will post some photo's tonight when I get home.

Sunday morning Mam and I popped down to Lars and Pips house. It was beautiful and huge. It's the first time either of us had been there. It was good to see them again even though it was only a short visit. However I do feel guilty for not making more of an effort each year to keep in contact with them. I only make the effort when Mam is in Melbourne and seriously that isn't good enough. We emigrated on the same ship as them in 1973 so they have known me all my life. They are from Finland whereas we are from Wales but they are like family, in fact they have been better to us than our real family has over the years!

In the afternoon we went 10 pin bowling at Cranbourne. We played two games, which was fun and great to be actually doing something with the kids. Grandma enjoyed it too and really got into it. I have decided that we don't do enough "fun" things with the kids. Don't get me wrong, we do a lot of things together but I don't thing we do enough kid fun things, if you can understand that? Must get back to focussing on them while they are still young enough to have fun with their Mam and Dad!

Back at work today for another week. The kids are off to Halls Gap with Nana and Grandad, we will get them back on Friday night and Mam is off to Claire's for the week and I will pick her up on Friday.

Needless to say the house will be very quiet tonight, that's for sure!!

There IS more to life!

Selfishly I have been focusing on what I now consider to be petty problems.

Unlike a work colleague of mine. His wife, a wonderful lady, has been diagnosed with primary breast cancer and also secondary cancers in various parts of her body. Yesterday I was informed the diagnosis is 6 - 12 months and that's with treatment.

My heart and thoughts go out to Fred, Wendy and their family.

Needless to say I have spent the last 24 hours really reassessing the way I look at life. The way I focus too much on negative aspects and too much on things I have no control over.

Okay so my sister doesn't want to have anything to do with me, that's her problem - right? Why should it stop me getting on with my life? Why should I spend hours wondering why when she probably doesn't even give it a second thought?

Okay so I am fat! Actually I am overweight. Maybe I need to focus on changing my lifestyle, my food patterns and my outlook rather than dwelling in self pity.

Enough is enough!!

I have to get back to my little part of this world. My special position in my family, The Murray family. I need to enjoy every minute I can with Oliver, Alex, Noel and my Mam, my wonderful Mam and Dad (in-laws), brother in-law Sean, his family and my sister Clare (we dropped the in-law tag a long time ago).

Life is definitely too short and unfortunately if can be over in an instance - you only have to watch the news for proof of that!!

Frankly I rather that I hadn't.....

As much as I shouldn't say this but frankly I rather that I hadn't recieved her phonecall yesterday. My sister rang me to wish me happy birthday around 6pm last night. Honestly it was like pulling teeth talking to her and from the minute she said hello I knew that she had rang out of doing the right thing and not particularly because she really wanted to give me her birthday wishes. Her voice had no expression, no enthusiasm, nothing!! Even claiming that she didn't know where I was working yesterday or what I was doing so that's why she waited until 6pm.... HELLO I do own a mobile!!

Other than that my birthday was good (even including working which was quiet and boring). The kids made me some beautiful cards - its the best feeling being told "you are the best Mam in the world". Even though I strictly told Noel that a nice card is all I wanted, he and the kids spoiled me. In he walked with a pretty bunch of flowers, then the kids gave me two bottles of chardonnay (don't know how they bought them lol!!), a Jamie Oliver Flavour Shaker and a powerball ticket with some scratchies also. Nothing on the scratchies and I am guessing as Noel hasn't rung me yet there will be nothing on the powerball ticket either... oh well I suppose we will just have to keep living on love!!

Then it was out for dinner at the RSL... and I was determined to order wisely and not give into my tummy! And it work. I chose the Veal Rib Eye with mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables of the menu but ordered the Veal Rib Eye with normal potatoes and steamed vegetables.... GO GIRL!! And it was yummy even though I did not eat all the potatoes anyway. Everyone else enjoyed their meals also. Noel tried the veal and to his surprise actually enjoyed it and will possibly let me buy/cook some now. Apparently I cooked a dish with veal once before that he didn't enjoy and that's why he has never liked veal..... hhhhmmm he tells me now?

More pressies for which I must say I was truly spoiled by Mam and Dad. Blown away infact! Now to be totally honest Noel had told me that he mentioned to Mam that I wanted a new Pyrex Jug (yes a really personal pressie I know but that's what I wanted!!) so that's what I expected. To my disbelief not only did I they give me 1 Pyrex jug BUT I got 4!! ACE all different sizes from a small 1 cup jug to a huge 8 cup jug!! OMG I was in Pyrex jug heaven!!

Oh well it's back to normal today and all the celebrations are over as afterall today I am 38 years and 1 day old!

Happy birthday to.....

Cannot believe that it's my birthday already, meaning that 8 days have already flown passed this year!! Being at work on your birthday sucks especially when it's dead quiet but it's paying those damn bills, right?

So far we haven't done a great deal as far as school holidays etc go but both Noel and I came back to work on Monday.

My Mam is babysitting the kids for us this week and so far they all seem to be having a ball. Tuesday they all went to the beach and saw the sand sculptures and "The Blessing of the Waters" by the Greek Community. Didn't know that was on but it added an extra element to the day for mam and the kids. They all got sunburnt!! BIG TIME!! I think they will be spending today at home, just like yesterday in recovery mode!!

Sunday we did go to the races and that was great fun. It was all the family as usual which was great and good to see to see Sean and Vicky again. Christian, being older this year, was fascinated by the horses and it was good to see face his face when the horses were near our area. (Being a member we got to set up our area right next to the race track, so brilliant view of all the races.)

Here is Mam and Sharon relaxing and from the look of it studying the form guide. Some of the races are hard to pick especially when there can be four horse and the TAB is only paying 1st and 2nd! We have even witness a two horse race... can you believe that? Only at Balnarring!! (It was a beautiful day, not too hot and thankfully not raining - somewhat hard to believe for Melbourne!!)

Relaxing inbetween races is some more of the family. Sean (white t-shirt), Mam and Dad, Christian, Oliver and Tom are keeping in the shade and having something to eat. One good thing about the races is we are never short of food or maybe that's a bad thing, everyone brings something to share so we don't have to buy food from the overpriced food vendors down there. This year we took our weber and had some lovely roast lamb with salad and bread rolls, not to mention dips and nibbles, and satay skewers. As I said lots of food!!

Of course there are no photo's of me (I think Mam might have taken one but we will leave that on her camera ... I like to hide behind the camera but who know's maybe one day I will come out from behind it!! LOL!!

But I do have this wonderful photo of my cheekyboy.... Oli!!

Off out for dinner tonight to the RSL with Noel, the kids and our parents. I didn't want a second "birthday" event but I had no say in it really!! It should be a good night and hopefully we will all get a good meal like we normally do, mind you saying that I have to make a good choice food wise! Especially now I am back on my diet - I must be good!

At this point in time nothing major has been planned for the rest of the week or the weekend. But then again, knowing us, things will change - as they always do...

A few days into 2009 and all is well.

After surviving what turned into a huge New Years Party at our house, finishing at 3am I might add, all has quietened down and we are regaining what some would imagine to be normality. HA!!

The house is starting to resemble a home not a party zone with the Christmas Decoration due to come down on the 6th of January (as I said before that's our Christmas tradition) so only a few more days before they are all locked away for another 11 and a half months. I find taking the decorations down quite sad as I just love the thought of Christmas but I make myself feel better by telling me that I have another 11 months to plan the next Christmas for the family to share.

Sean and Vicky came to pick up Clare (she has stayed since New Years Eve and that has been ace). It was sad to see her leave knowing that she was flying back to Sydney today and we wouldn't see her again for awhile. Clare is a fantastic person to be around. Bubbly, funny and so spontaneous. A good drinking buddy also.... OMG did we all drink these last few days! But more importantly she's a unreal sister... we have both dropped the "sister-in-law" tag and just refer to each other as sisters.... and yes if you haven't guessed she makes me feel like a special person.

Mam is still here - now newly nicknamed "Ever-ready" as she is just always on the go and forever pottering. I think we will have to nail or tie her down just to get her to relax but it is still wonderful to have her here (even if we have had several words due to my selfishness). I am going to miss her terribly when she eventually goes back on the 21st January. She will be with us most of the time until then as she has put her hand up to babysit Oliver and Alex while Noel and I go back to work on the 5th.

Today we are all getting ready for the Balnarring Picnic Races tomorrow. Another huge day but it will be enjoyed as it is every year. Most of the family are going and this year we are taking the weber and cooking a leg of lamb to have with salads etc. There is always a beavy of food, normally too much, but it is such a wonderful day and the kids have a ball. Christian will be old enough to understand the horses this year as he was only a baby last year and now that he is walking I am sure tomorrow will be an interesting day for us all keeping an eye on him. We get to the Races early so we can get a really good possy and set up our shelters etc. It is a great day but a huge effort getting everything organised. What do they say - no pain no gain?

Oliver and Alex are having their first sleep over for the year tonight. They are off to Tom and Sharon's. As Sharon is also coming to the Races she will bring the kids down with her. Hopefully they will be good for Sharon and not turn into prize dickheads.... Noel will be reading them the riot act before we take them up there. They get so excited going somewhere else as normally, with us being the entertainers, we have everyone come to our house and that includes the kids friends. Must make an effort to change that this year.....

Oh well better fly as there really is a lot to do.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

I know I am a little early but I doubt that I will get back on this side of 2009, so with this....

We would like to wish all of our Family and Friends

a very Happy New Year.

May you have a wonderful

time seeing in 2009,

don't wake up too early

or with a headache

but more importantly are

safe and with

us on January the 1st!!

Thankyou all for supporting us,

sharing friendship and

special times,

sharing our laughter and our tears

(especially mine).

May 2009 be a prosperous and

enjoyable year for one and all...

Love always and best wishes....

Noel, Jo, Oliver and Alex xxx

Christmas Day is over but the celebrations will continue....

I am sitting here typing this while my Mam and sister in law, Clare, have just opened there first bottle of wine for the day! I, however, need to wait a little longer before partaking in the best type of grape juice!! hahaha

As for yesterday, all DID go without a hitch!! It actually makes you sit back and wonder what all the worry was about beforehand.

The kids decided that their excitment couldn't wait until after 6am and that's when they woke us up! Alex was really happy that Santa had been but Oliver wasn't that happy as there was no table tennis table to be seen. He had his heart set on getting on and because it wasn't next to the Christmas tree in the loungeroom he had a dark cloud over his head... that was until he went outside and saw one under the verandah!!

I was spoiled by my family this year. Reduced to tears by their cards and gifts - I received a Galialo Thermometre, a toe ring, a necklace and an amazing quilt cover!! Wow - OMG I was very surprise at the thought that had gone into the present process this year.

Then it was all hands on deck to put the finishing touches to lunch, preparing the rest of the entree and the vegetables etc. We at one stage were surprised that we were ahead of ourselves and had time to have a quiet drink before the rest of the family arrived. And take photo's of our table before everyone sat down....

To my amazement, I must say... everyone arrived almost on time (due to the traffic on the freeway) and we sat down pretty much on time. We made sure everyone stayed inside until everyone was here just so our decorated area was a surprise to everyone all at once. Of course Mam, Noel and I wanted to see everyone's faces.. and I do believe they were amazed.
The fairies and the snowflakes just looked absolutely gorgeous glittering in the sunlight and the red and silver tinsel really complemented them.

Everyone sat down and the food fest began... I printed off a menu, tied it with red and silver ribbon for everyone to read whilst waiting for the entrees to be served with a thank you message at the bottom... it really was quite cheezy but something I wanted to do. Everyone liked them anyway. So overall, lunch was well received and Noel, Mam and I were happy with our efforts.


More presents after the feast - all children were definately spoiled from all sides. I couldn't believe some of the gifts that they received. And to top it off, Noel and I received Nigella Lawson's Christmas cookbook off Sharon as a thank you for Christmas Day and for all of the year... I am definately in my element when reading a cookbook! Thanks Sharon - this last year has definately been a pleasure having both you and Tom in our lives.

Sean and Vicky had to go off to Vicky's family for dinner. Personally, I couldn't eat another meal especially after the lunch we had so I did not envy the mere thought of it at all. Sharon, after a little snooze on the couch, went home with Tom and I hope that they both truly had a great time.

Not long after the Abba Sing Star (Alex's present) was opened and that was the start of the party. Alex, Mam, Clare, Mam and even Dad got into the act and belted out a few ABBA songs before Mam and Dad left as they are taking the caravan down to Port Fairy for Sean and Vicky's holiday. The rest of us then sang our hearts out and also played Guitar Hero (Oliver's present) until the wee wee wee hours of the morning. A few people surrounding me are not feeling the best but I suppose it just goes to show that a good time was had by one and all......

As usual too much food but lots of yummy leftovers. Today is quite quiet in comparision to yesterday for which most of us are glad. Noel and Alex have taken Clare up to one of her friends' houses, Mam is watching a Barbara Streisand DVD that she got for Christmas, Oliver is trying to work out who Barbara Streisand is, and I have to admit, I am now sipping on a Champagne Cocktail... well it is the Festive Season after all!!!

My husband has just returned from dropping Clare off and he is armed with two crayfish... so it looks like it's seafood for lunch!! OMG life is just soooooo hard!!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all............

Was my weekend better than Christmas? Nearly!!

I had such a wonderful weekend that it was nearly better than Christmas itself.

After picking Mam up from outside my sister's house (I didn't want to go inside so that was my choice) we went home where the kids just greeted Grandma with cuddles and excited chatter. It was wonderful to see all three faces beaming with love and joy. I quickly showed Mam around our new house as this was her first visit since the move, kindly asking her to put her blinkers on as it was quite a mess!! Not that she was bothered but I did explain that I wasn't expecting her and she understood.

Sharon was already at our house as we we had planned to go shopping. So quickly Mam and I got ready and off the 3 ladies went to battle Frankston. Surprisingly there wasn't really a battle. In actual fact we have found the shops quiet all weekend.

Mam came to work with me on Saturday morning, which for some strange reason she enjoys. I enjoy her company too, selfishly it's just the two of us and we can chat, etc. Saturday morning's mission was to wrap the presents we had already purchased to save one job on Christmas eve. That accomplished (thanks to Mam - you are a trooper!! MWAH!!) we closed the weighbridge and went down to the office where we were having my work breakup. There was a pig on a spit (a full pig) and it looked too good to eat. Mam was in awe of it and must say it tasted damn good as well. It was quite a casual affair but enjoyable to say the least.

More shopping on the way home but then we finally made it home much to Mam's delight. Neither of us like shopping (except for food shopping of course). Aimlessly wandering from shop to shop is not my idea of fun but at this time of year it's very hard not to do just that. Looking here and there for presents to jump of the shelf and say "pick me, pick me"!! However I did manage to pick up one layby.

Saturday night was special for Oliver as his mate, Kypton, from school rang in the afternoon to see if Oliver wanted to go for a sleepover. OF COURSE HE DID!! So it was just us and Alex. She adores Grandma and they sat watching the Christmas Carols together, we had all the candles/tealights lit around the loungeroom making it look special.

Another quick trip to the shops Sunday morning this time for the groceries. Then we had a bbq brunch before setting off on the next mission for the weekend. The mission, which we didn't have an option of accepting, it just had to be done was to tidy the patio area and decorate it for Christmas. Every year I do a different Christmas theme (everyone always comes to us for Christmas day). This year I had chosen the colours of red, silver and white and I had a vision in my head, that I had to describe to Noel and Mam, which didn't really describe my vision if you know what I mean. So I put all the tinsel and bags of ornaments on the table and asked for their help. We put up tinsel around the area where we will eat and then hung snowflakes and fairies everywhere. God it looks ace, it's perfect (even if I say so myself) it's the best we have ever done and will definately take some beating next year! According to Mam, my face said it all!! So did hers.... Thank you Noel and Mam, it wouldn't look this special without your input and help!!

(I will take photo's and post them here soon. I can't just yet as I need to surprise a few people who are coming for Christmas day.....and they read my blog!)

Last night all of us went out for Chinese with Mam and Dad meeting us there. It was great to see all three of our parents chatting away. I am so glad that since the day Noel and I met both families have gotten on really well. It was like watching long lost friends catching up last night. As usual the meal was great with all plates being devoured. The kids are staying at Nana and Grandad's now until Tuesday night so they went home with them. Mam, Noel and I came home and had a few drinks sitting under our newly decorated patio listening to some music. It was a relaxing yet brilliant way to finish off the weekend.

Finally it is Monday again and sadly I had to drop Mam back at Claire's. But it's only until Tuesday when I pick her up again after work and the doctors! I sent my nephew's Christmas presents off with Mam this morning. I would have dearly loved to give them to the boys myself, to see their faces and hopefully enjoyment from the gift but unfortunately it's not going to happen this year.

(Maybe things will change in the future but I can't sit around and wait. I need to get on with my life and that's what I intend to do. Hopefully this will be the last time that I mention this issue because the more I think about it the more it hurts and consumes me. I bet it's not bothering Claire one little bit. So that's it... no more!!)

As I mentioned I had such a wonderful weekend - I couldn't of wished for a better few days with mam and my family. I cannot wait for Christmas Day when we are all together again... thirteen of us blessing the table this year. Of course there is Noel, Oliver, Alex and me, the three grandparents, Grandma, Nana and Grandad, Clare (who flies in from Sydney on Christmas Eve), Sean, Vicky and Christian, Sharon and Tom. Hopefully Christmas 2009 will be a day that we all enjoy and remember!

The feelings of a Friday especially this Friday...

Okay so work is nearly over for the day.. have to kill 15 minutes and look busy! So no better time to post an update for the weekend.

Feeling rather emotional most of this morning - due to the fact that I am longing for that mother/daughter hug, drained from a week of Noel doing night shift and then there is that always nagging problem of my sister in the back of my head. Why can't I shift my thoughts? hhhmmm seriously need to work on that but then that would involve thinking about it....

Anyway this morning after speaking with Mam I have resigned myself to the fact that we wouldn't be seeing her until Tuesday evening. She had decided the right thing to do would be to spend time with Claire and her family. Heartbreaking as it was, I had to accept this fact considering big mouth here actually planted that thought seed the other day as a nice guesture only to ponder whether if the situation was reversed if Claire would have the same care factor as me... definately not is the answer I came up with!

But then the whole situation changed when my mobile rang and it was Mam. Considering the fact that Claire had made plans that Mam didn't want anything to do with so was ringing to ask if we could scap plan #1 and if she could come over to our house for the weekend? Like as if she had to ask at all!! Needless to say once I finish here at work I will be driving to my sisters, SMILING of course, to pick up Mam and take her to our happy (a little bit messy I must admit to) household.

The kids are going to be really excited to see Grandma again.. they asked about her last night so it will be great to see their faces light up when she walks in the door tonight.

Speaking of tonight we will be off shopping just the girls.... Mam, Sharon and me. So that should be an adventure in itself. Then its work for me in the morning and then my work breakup on site. This year it's a pig on a spit, bbq and salads etc. Afterwards better get to cleaning and decorating our outside area for Christmas day and ensuring everything else is in place for next Thursday.

But the best thing of all this weekend is Mam will now be with us until Monday morning....

Grandma arrives today.....

Cannot believe it's the 18th of December already. I just knew December was going to fly by and it has....

.

My mam arrives today from Brisbane. It seems like only yesterday I found out that my uncle had purchased her fares for her as her Christmas present many weeks ago and he was still in Wales then. He's up at her place now but not coming to Melbourne for Christmas. He has made many friends up on the island so that's where he prefers to be.

.

I am excited that Mam is arriving today. It has been too long since I saw her and I can't wait to have one of those mother/daughter hugs that are so special and it doesn't really matter how old you are!

.

Although I am excited, I am also sad. The reason I am sad is I am not sure when I will see my mam. As it's a Thursday today she will go straight to Claire's. That's the deal we all have when she visits. During the week, when we are working she stays at Claire's as Claire doesn't work. Then she comes to us on the weekends, normally on the Friday night and then goes back to Claire's on the Monday morning. This time I am not sure whether we will see Mam on Friday night. As Mam is spending Christmas with me and my family I actually suggested to Mam that she maybe stay with Claire over the weekend so she has some family time with them.

.

Plus there is the small fact that Claire and I still haven't spoken since I told her that I wasn't going to pretend to be happy families anymore. In fact, she hasn't acknowledged the SMS I sent after the last phone call. This is my text that I sent to her on 5/12/08:

"Forgot to ask when we were talking today - why? Why don't you want to associate with me or my family except for when Mam is here? Why don't you want to spend anytime with us? I suppose the overall question is - what have I done? Tell me please! Don't want to continue the way we have been. Would really like to resolve this and move on as a normal family - not a "special occassion" family. I really hope you will contact me soon but it's up to you now!"

Not too harsh I hope, just something I needed to do. The text, I suppose, was a condensed version of the letter that I sent her back in September by registered post that she didn't bother to collect from the post office and it was returned to me!!

.

Needless to say - I have heard nothing. I have had no reply. I am obviously not worthy of any form of explanation or even acknowledgement. I one sense, it confirmed everything.

.

Oh well, although it's eating me up inside I must not let it ruin Christmas for my family... so back to thinking happy thoughts!

The Thirteenth of December .....

Yesterday was the 13th December (I know that you all knew that) but in our family the 13th of December is a VERY special day for two reasons.

The first and most important reason is because it is my Dad's birthday - so...

"Happy Birthday Daddy!!

I love you dearly

and miss you still so much!"

Secondly, it is the twelth day before Christmas and the day that we put up our Christmas Tree and officially start of celebrating the Festive Season.

So when we were all finally home, somewhat organised after putting the shopping away and doing a little cleaning we all set to the task of putting up the tree. This year we had a special helper, Tom. Thanks for helping Tom! It, as usual, was fun. With Christmas music playing in the background we put the lights on the tree and then adorned the tree with decorations old and new.

Funnily enough, putting up the tree brought the buzz of Christmas into the House of Murray!!

2008 Christmas Concert!!

~~~~o0O0o~~~~

WOW!! The Christmas Concert at the school was ace this year. This year the concert was held outside, the school decided to use it's new grassed (synthetic) courtyard and it was such a better atmosphere being outside with a breeze instead of being all crammed into the stuffy hall. Great move on the school's behalf.

Every year each class gets up and sings 2 or 3 Christmas Carols each. Then Sants pays the school a visit giving all the kids an icypole and a little bag of lollies. It's bedlam normally at some parts of the evening but tonight it just seemed to go off so smoothly.

As I just mentioned the atmosphere was great. It didn't matter how loud the kids sang their carols as it didn't echo off the walls this year and everyone attending just seemed so much more relaxed. It was fantastic to see all the kids dressed up in their "christmas" outfits. There were Santa's, elves, rudolphs, red dresses, green shirts, tinsel aglore and even "rocker" angels!!

I must admit Alex is right at home on the stage.. maybe it's something worth looking into. She puts her whole heart into the songs, not only with the words but with the actions too. (Do I sound bias? I think so!! LOL!!)

Mam and Dad came to witness the festivities and as per usual some of the acts guaranteed a laugh. I love the way the littlee's know the chorus and sing it out at the top of their lungs only to mumble the verses.... and the funny little moves that they do up on stage. Their innocence is magic and as said, sometimes oh so funny.


Oliver was on stage for two songs with his class but sadly there was mainly only the grade 5's as the grade 6's didn't have to do it. I think that was a shame especially with them being in the last year of primary school. I understand that they are growing up and it's probably not "too cool" but afterall it's Christmas and I think it is such a special thing for all the kids to do. The 5/6's weren't as organised as some of the others but they did well! Oliver got into though which I suppose is the main thing. Got to love the baggy shirt and pants look - he had to be fashionable!!

Strangely the concert seemed to go quite quick this year but as I said it was more organised than previous years. I am glad it wasn't such a late night as the kids are so tired now that the school year is coming to a close - it's hard enough to get them up in the morning as it is......

~~~~o0O0o~~~~

A successful trip to the doctors.....

Yesterday both Alex and I had to go to the doctors.

Hooray for the second appointment in a row I was deemed "NORMAL" - correction my BP was.
Yesterday's reading was 130/80 so both the doctor and I were very happy. I don't have another appointment now until the 23rd December!! Frankly that should be interesting because by then I am sure that my BP will be sky high stressing over Christmas lunch (at our house) two days later!! hehehehe Still on the same tablets so I guess I will just have to remain calm and relaxed... HA as if?!?!?!


Alex was having some day surgery - having a wart removed from the back of her neck! She was so nervous that she was giggling and that in itself was very funny. All was good until she had the needed for the local! She screamed and screamed and burst into tears. Once I had her calm and she had no feeling in her neck the rest of the "operation" went really well. Today she is sporting 3 stitches, a large dressing and a huge smile as today she has "show and tell"!!

Tonight is the school concert, so I will be rushing home from work, picking up the kids from school, buying them McDonalds for dinner (yes I promised) and then getting back down the school for around 6.30pm. Noel's working overtime so he will come straight from work. Should be a really interesting night - I know that I am looking forward to it.

Survey of 100 things....

Just something light-hearted for today....

I have just read this on another blog that I read, Mummifiedtimesfive, and thought it would be an interesting survey to undertake. Not sure of it's origin but I would say it's American considering some of the items.

The rules are quite simple. Below is a list of 100 statements. All you need to do is bold the ones you have done.

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity.
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain.
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept in an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitchhiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse (solar)
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten cavier.
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chicken pox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a lawsuit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day

Okay 33 out of 100 isn't too bad I suppose.... there are a few more on the list I could mark off if I put my mind to it..

Let me know if you have a go at the survey????

December is becoming a blur.....

December is becoming a blur… no faster am I doing things, getting organised and prepared than they are getting done or happening and then that’s them over, mostly with no evidence of the effort put into them.

Plus on the down side I am still quite consumed with my sister and our issues, she hasn’t made contact with me and to be totally honest I actually expect that she won’t. As I said the other day I just need to move on, accept was has happened and don’t hold my breath of a miracle happening in the near future!

However, I finally got time to sit down and send a quick email to Nea, in New Zealand. She probably thinks that I had disappeared into a crack somewhere but as I did try to explain to her it’s just that at the moment we have been so, so busy. I felt so bad for not writing to her sooner! Sorry, Nea!!

Speaking of time (or lack of) I have been that overwhelmed that I haven’t even written my Christmas Cards – in fact I haven’t even thought of doing them. Might have to send out “Happy New Year” cards – lol!! So sorry to any of you out there reading this…..

This week sees me back at the doctor’s tomorrow night for my fortnightly BP check-up! Alexandria also has an appointment for a little bit of day surgery (having a wart removed from the back of her neck – it’s in her hair line and bothers her quite a lot). Cross fingers that she won’t scream the doctor’s surgery down like she did when we got her cast removed from her leg!

Thursday night is the school’s Christmas Concert at 7pm. Should be an interesting evening, it normally is. The school go to quite some effort. This year, if the weather remains nice, the concert will take place in the Sherlock Courtyard and not in the stuffy hall! Each class sings 2 – 3 songs, there are raffles for Christmas Hampers and of course, Santa comes and brings all the kids a bag of lollies and an icypole. Nana and Grandad attend every year also, which makes the kids feel so special and of course, excited.

Saturday is our special day. The 13th of December is the day our family always puts up the Christmas tree … signalling the 12 days of Christmas. (We take it down on the 6th January – another 12 days). Just the mere thought of putting up the Christmas Tree makes me feel that Christmas is officially on its way.

To be honest I don’t really get that excited about Christmas when the decorations first appear in the shops as all the special holidays (Christmas and Easter especially) are becoming too commercialised not to mention too early but when Noel puts all the lights up outside, we start baking and menu planning Christmas lunch, organising special presents, etc - it all just seems to bring that inner feeling of excitement – you know that feeling you get when you are a kid and something exciting is about to happen?

Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights so far we have not a thing firmly planned except of course for the usual grocery shopping and at some stage I must pull my finger out and get some Christmas Present shopping done. Thankfully the majority of it is already on layby but then there are quite of few of the “little” things still to organise. (At the moment it just all seems never ending).

There are Christmas Carols up at Casey Fields on Saturday night, which I wouldn’t mind attending (they even have fireworks) but would much prefer to go to a Carols in Frankston but I haven’t seen any advertised – must keep looking. Will have to check with Alison if she knows of any happening locally.

Mind you saying that we have nothing planned doesn’t mean that they are our final plans for the weekend (everyone who knows us is witness to our “spur of the moment” planning hehehe) - there are so many people we need/want to catch up with before the whirlwind of Christmas consumes us completely, and I am trying to plan it so we do catch up with them even if it’s only for a quick drink.

Better go as I said, lots to do…..

Finally I was strong so why do I feel like shit?

After picking myself up off the floor on Wednesday because my sister rang me to actually thank me for my nephew's birthday card that I sent, we had a little chat and then she asked if me and my family would like to go for dinner at their house the night that Mam arrives. Now that pissed me off.... here we go again "happy families" because Mam is here! I told her I would see and get back to her.

Anyway after mulling over my options since Wednesday I finally made my decision.

I rang her this morning. It was hard as I tried to be strong and sound positive whilst holding back tears. I thanked her for her invitation, told her that we would not be coming because I don't want to play "happy families" anymore just because Mam is visiting when she cannot be bothered to contact me any other time of the year and basically that I have given up trying to invite them for dinner, etc. I did say that I wished more than anything that we could be friends and even sisters.

All she could say was "I know what you mean"!!!

I suggested if she wanted to discuss this just the two of us could go for a coffee if she wanted to.

The phone conversation ended with "will talk to you later" then the dial tone! No goodbyes just a hang up.....

I know that something needed to be done as I cannot continue with all the heart ache and the hoping that the situation will just miraculously change one day and we will behave like a normal family again.

In a way I think I may have acted selfishly and put my feelings first but it hurts to know that she is so close, wants nothing to do with me, doesn't want to interact with me or my family and only contacts me for special occasions (birthdays etc.) or when Mam is down visiting hence the "happy families" label!

Not only do I feel sorry for me though.... it's not all about me! I feel sorry for the 6 kids involved. My kids don't know their cousins and their cousins don't know them!!! They are going to grow up not knowing each other and that is really sad!!!

The only thing I regret about the phone call is that I didn't ask her what I did to make her not want to associate with me or my family?

It's not going to change, I know that now.... and although it hurts I must get on and enjoy my life!

Guess what?

Guess what - it's Monday again!! hahahaha (bet you thought I had a secret!)

Once again another weekend has flown. Managed to get a few things done around the house - nothing earth moving though. A little cleaning, a little relaxing, played scrabble on facebook whilst the kids watched a dvd, helped with some homework, but most of all I got my cwch! Several infact and they were all nice.

We did manage to go shopping - popped into a few shops we haven't been to for awhile. Found a new indian food shop in Carrum Downs. Checked out the Warehouse - oh and we even bought an inflatable chimney complete with Santa's legs to put on the roof!!

Noel has been very busy with putting the lights up over the weekend and even today (he has an RDO) he bought some more lights so it will be interesting to see what they look like tonight! Oliver actually told Noel yesterday "That you are the best dad in the world and you are doing a great job with the lights!" I know that this meant a lot to Noel.






(Thankfully this is no longer on our bed and it is on the roof!! The legs go up and down and I must say it looks quite good. Look at my man... proud as punch!)

Family Time Version # 3

Good morning to everyone this wonderful somewhat sunny Melbourne Sunday morning,

Why am I so cheery??? Not quite too sure but I think it's because I have decided that I am not going to plan out the day - will just take it as it comes!

"Family Time" today will be just go with the flow and see what happens. I suppose that's the only way we are going to get it right!

No only kidding.... we have had a great weekend so far even though it wasn't exactly what was in mind.

Yesterday Noel and the kids met me at work just as I was finishing. We went to Dandenong, planned to do shopping there but ended up going to an Indian Cafe for lunch. It was really good food and quite cheap. YUM!!

Today so far... we have done nothing exciting. Alex is watching a movie in our room, Oliver is doing his homework, Noel is pottering around doing housework and I am sitting on my fat bum in front of the computer.

..... could be a very lazy day.... and we are all still in our pj's!!

"Family Time" version #2!!

I should know by now that I shouldn't plan anything.... even a quiet weekend.

Friday night didn't happen as I had planned BUT that's okay!! Sharon popped in for a drink and a vent as she (and Tom) have had an interesting week with our school. Tom has been bullied (bitten, hit and stabbed with a pencil) to the point where he retalliated and now all of a sudden Tom is the child with issues... go figure? Needless to say after a few chardy's there was no way this little duck was going shopping. So when Sharon left we settled down and watch a movie as a family and had Jaffles (Toasted Sandwiches) for dinner... OMG the last time we had Jaffles for dinner we were sitting in the middle of the bush, camping!! And I must admit it was ACE!!

So today the new plan is...... work until 12pm, do a quick run around the shops to get supplies and then it's home. Cleaning will be on the agenda but I am still going to ensure I get that family time happening over the next two days!!

Plus I still a cwch!!!!!

"Family Time"

It's Friday afternoon so technically the weekend starts very soon but as I work Saturday's until 12pm it doesn't officially start for me until then!

BUT this weekend is going to be all about us... the kids, Noel and myself. I don't feel I have spent enough time with any of them lately.

So getting the shopping out of the way tonight so that's one less time waster on Saturday. We all go and do this but it's not really "family time". When we get back home I am going to do a whirlwind clean (well as much as I can) just to be able to have more quality time Saturday and Sunday.

We have already had invites for Saturday. We have been invited to the horse races at Cranbourne plus it's the Frankston Festival of the Lights (the council turn on the lights of the Christmas tear and normally have fireworks) but to be honest would much prefer just to cwch up on the coach and watch movies with my babies. (Sorry Sharon if you read this...)

Sunday - no firm plans either at this stage. Might spend the day getting the christmas decorations organised, work out where we are going to put our Christmas tree (in our smaller house) and just dag around together. Could even be a daggy jarmie day!! LOL!!

Cross fingers none of the above changes....... selfish aren't I?

Jo xx

PS: "CWCH" is welsh for cuddle/hug - it's the best word in the world! My kids are Aussies but they ask for a cwch!

Apparently I am normal .....

Apparently I am normal or should I say my Blood Pressure is?? 120/80 – the first time is 16 weeks. I have to go back to see the doctor in two weeks and I am still on the strong tablet but what a relief. Noel came to the doctors with me and he said he could see the relief in my face as soon as I got the result. I must say this little battle with my BP has really had me feeling down quite a bit lately. I hate not knowing why things happen and when I don’t know why I know I can’t fix it. It’s probably being a “thinker” that is causing the high blood pressure in the first place. Anyway the important thing is my BP’s okay finally but I still really need to work of losing my excess weight and getting rid of the BP medication all together.

Not a great deal more to report. Have spoken with Mam a few times this last week and she is starting to get excited about coming down for Christmas. I know I am…. I just can’t wait to see her. As I mentioned a while ago I really need a Mam hug!!

Christmas is fast approaching and I need to pull my finger out and get organised. Not sure how many we are having around the table this year but I know the starting figure will be 11! If a miracle happens it could even be 20 but that miracle would have to happen soon.

Needless to say the situation with my sister isn’t getting any better. I haven’t spoken to her since the 7th November and even then I rang her. I love the way she just chats away as if it was yesterday the last time we spoke. Chatting about this and that as if I know what she is talking about. Half the time I don’t have a clue! When we are talking she does ask how we all are and I just tell her everything is good even if it’s not. Maybe I should tell her what’s really going on but I don’t think it would really bother her or if she would truly care. Bottom line is - I am just not a part of her world and it’s me that has to accept that.

Oh well enough whinging about things I have no control over… I really need to get on and enjoy MY life. Right?

Only 34 days until Christmas

OMG - I cannot believe how close to Christmas it is... let alone how fast this year has gone!! I don't know if anyone agrees but lately the days are turning into weeks quicker than I care for and I don't seem to be getting a great deal done other than the run of the mill stuff.

Noel has been doing overtime all this week including this morning. (The kids have gone to Mam and Dad's for a sleepover last night because we are both working.) I have had a couple of training sessions also. Monday I was at Clarinda giving some training to another company employee and then Tuesday I was in a training session being trained. But to be honest the rest of the week just disappeared.

Speaking of Christmas - I am really looking forward to it this year but I do every year! Christmas would have to be my favourite time. I love celebrating the Festive Season, decorating the house, planning and preparing the food and there is always my wish of having the whole family together (both sides) for such a special day although I don't think it is going to happen this year. It is ACE however my Mam is flying down from Brisbane and Clare (Noel's sister) is flying down from Sydney to be here for the festivities. We are having Christmas lunch at our house again this year but I wouldn't want it any other way!

I am excited today though as my friend, Kerry, is coming down from Sydney to stay with us. We all love Kerry visiting, especially the kids who adore her (we all do). This will be just a nice quiet visit, no big girly-get togethers up the city, just time with our family.

And on the topic of friends, I have made contact with Carolyn Whamond, another school friend that I haven't seen for at least 15 years (not quite sure - could be longer). Just to prove that it is a small world and that Google is a powerful search engine... I googled her name and got a hit. I contacted the secretary of the Theatre company and he was kind enough to provide an address so I wrote her a letter (snail mail of course) and couldn't believe it when she sent me an email reply. She is living in Tasmania so I can only hope that we will meet up again one day soon.

The weather has turned bad here, not as bad as in Southern Queensland. My thoughts go out to all the families affected with the storms that they are experiencing. It rained here all of last night and so far most of this morning. However we really cannot/should not complain as we, Australia, really need the rain but I don't understand why it can't rain during the week? hehehe

It's Monday again ... gee that week flew by!

Wow I cannot believe that it has been a full week... where did it go and what did we do?

Of course we worked as usual, with Noel doing overtime Monday through to Thursday and also a full day on Saturday. It's good that he is getting the overtime so close to Christmas - like everyone we can definately use the money.

Wednesday night we went to the Frankston RSL with Mam, Dad, Paul and Angela for dinner. Nice meal as usual and it was great to see Paul and Angela again. They were leaving Mam and Dad's on Thursday to spend a few nights in the city before flying out Saturday morning for Cairns. I spoke to Paul Saturday morning and they had really enjoyed their time in Melbourne. I am really glad that I met them!

Saturday we had a really nice night - just the four of us! We had dinner while watching the movie Get Smart! It was a funny film but I must say listening to the kids laugh and their little comments and chattering about what just happened is ace. It makes me feel priviledged to be a mam!

Now Sunday was huge.. spent the whole day unpacking boxes, rearranging rooms and putting things in new homes etc. I am really impressed with our efforts. We now have a comfortable dining room, less the boxes and a lot of crap. The bookshelves are full, the family photo's are up, the glasses are all the glass cabinet and best of all the computer is no longer on the dining table! But there is still so much to do!!

Another get together.....

After such a huge emotional evening Friday night (geez I enjoyed myself!) Sunday brought another reunion. This time it was for Noel and his family. Noel's cousin, Paul and his wife Angela, have come to visit from England. They arrived Sunday morning and we had all planned to go to Mam and Dad's for a bbq lunch/afternoon.

It was wonderful to finally meet Paul, as I have emailed with him and chatted on Facebook! It was funny when we walked in Paul said "and I know this one - I've seen her before!" Mam, Dad and Sean were really surprised... and then Paul said " we've chatted on email and on facebook!!" I thought it was really funny!

Noel enjoyed himself as I watched him chat with all his family and ask Paul lots of question regarding England, the place once called home! I like watching from the sidelines especially when it is such an important event - Noel hadn't seen Paul for 25 years!!

Back row: Christian, Dad, Sean, Mam, Noel

Front row: Oliver, Vicky, Paul, Angela, Me

Dinner with Alison

I spent most of yesterday in a mood of very mixed feelings and emotions. I was scared, nervous, excited and on the verge of wetting myself knowing that at 7pm I would meet up with someone I hadn’t seen for nearly half my lifetime!

I had butterflies in my tummy and my hands were shaking from nerves but 20 years on from the last time we saw each other it was fantastic to catch up again. I couldn’t believe that Alison was actually in my house talking to me!

Do you think we have changed much???

Alison really hasn't changed that much from school days - her hair is longer, darker but she still has the beautiful eyes and smile that I remember. We had a lovely dinner and sat, chatting like two old fish wives about things that have happened over the last two decades and also things that we remember from our school days. I still cannot believe that we live so close to each other (ony a few streets away) but haven't cross paths before ... obviously the time is right now.

Unfortunately the kids missed out on meeting her. They really wanted to but were having a sleepover at Nana and Grandad's as Noel and I are both working today!

It was a blast! I hope Alison enjoyed herself as much as Noel and I did. Hopefully we will see each other again soon and not wait another 20 years (I have to return her dessert dish anyways! LOL!!)

A short week that has gone too fast.

With having the extra long weekend for the Melbourne Cup going back to work on the Wednesday was very hard. I enjoyed the extra few days at home but honestly find it hard to get back into the work routine especially with having only the 3 and a half days to get through.

We have had Tom sleeping over for the last two nights as Sharon has gone interstate for work. Back up to Sydney to see how her shops are coming along... not too good by the sounds of having to stay an extra day!

I went to the Doctors on Wednesday afternoon. BP up a little (140/90) but my doctor is okay with that… another week on the same tablets and another appointment next Wednesday.

Had a surprise phone call from the Healesville Police to say that my purse had been found. Mind you I lost it 4 weeks ago and I believe that it has been in a creek since then as it was all water logged and the contents damaged. I went through all of the contents with the policeman, he sent me a few things that were salvaged, but the purse itself has found a new home - in the bin!

However we have made it to Friday and what a day it's going to be! Noel is working tomorrow (another shock for us - he hasn't done a Saturday since around March!) so the kids are off to Nana and Grandad's for a sleepover. Noel will pick them up on the way home Saturday afternoon.

But I am sitting here with mixed feelings.

Feelings of excitement, nervousness and even a little scared. Why? I have a friend coming over for dinner tonight. A friend that I haven't seen for 20 years!! The last time we saw each other was in Year 12 of Mentone Girls Secondary College.

Dinner is planned, in fact I made the main dish last night. We are having STGTBT Lasagne with a nice fresh salad. I just need to go home, grab a few things from the shop, make the salad, clean the house to make it a little more respectable and hopefully sit down for 5 minutes to chill out - what a night this is going to be?!?!?!

The Long Weekend is over..

Well normality returned this morning the minute the alarm sounded. So did our weekday routine of up, making lunches, showering, getting too little tired cherubs up and organised! It really is all a bit clockwork but it’s what we are all used to!

Yesterday was a great day… I still had my little sad cloud surrounding me as my thoughts drifted at times towards my dad but Deb and Julien put on quite a spread (they catered for the 5000 – somebody else I know does that!) and the dynamics of the people invited made for a different afternoon. A few families from the football club, a few of their other friends, us and Sharon, “Lovergirl Extraordinaire!.” It all turned out a really good afternoon even without winning anything on the nags.

Speaking of Sharon, she was walking on air yesterday. Her second date with dream boy was successful on many levels except for food consumption!! “Live on love” is the old saying, right? Yep you guessed it – that lasagne didn’t get a look in but she did admit that I made it! On the up side she now has lunch for this week!!

It's Monday and we are not at work!

No we are not bludging... it's a long weekend here in Melbourne due to the Melbourne Cup Day. The public holiday is actually tomorrow but Noel and I managed to secure today off as well. Next week is going to be a nice short week at work - only Wednesday to Saturday.

We haven't really done anything exciting!! The kids have been shacked up playing their DS games or watching DVD's whilst Noel and I threw out things for hard rubbish collection all day yesterday! Looking at our naturestrip must admit we are both quite proud of our efforts and I have come to the realisation the I definately am the instigating Hoarder but Noel's not too bad either!

Yesterday was kind of hard especially throwing up things that link me with my dad. Dad died 15 years ago yesterday... I didn't say anything to Noel, but Oliver asked what was wrong when we had a few precious moments together. I rang Mam - just because I wanted to... she knew exactly why! Noel finally found out and asked my why I didn't remind him. I don't think I have too!

Today will be another day of box sorting but the house is looking much better. Tom is stopping over tonight as Sharon (who I must say is in LOVE!) is having date #2 with her Dream Man! In between my boxes I have offered to make a lasagne for Sharon's dinner tonight as she has been called into work today and won't have time to cook anything! Take-away is not an option when you are just starting out in a relationship... it's up to her if she fesses up to who actually made it! hahaha!!

Tomorrow is Melbourne Cup - the race that stops the Nation... We are off to the Coopers for a BBQ lunch - should be fun!

Better fly as I must stop procrastinating, get off my bum and continue sorting....